Report: Xavi is now regularly speaking to £150k-a-week Chelsea player, as Barcelona line up summer move
Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly in discussions with Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
According to Sport, Xavi has been having regular conversations with the 32-year-old Blues defender.
With Azpilicueta’s contract at Stamford Bridge expiring at the end of the season, he’s free to negotiate a new deal with a foreign club. In addition, there is the complication that Chelsea are currently banned from discussing contract extensions with current players due to government sanctions.
Barcelona have reportedly already lined up a summer move for Azpilicueta by offering him a three-year deal at Camp Nou. Chelsea have a clause in the Spaniard’s current contract to extend it, but it’s unclear on if they can activate that during ongoing restrictions.
The £150,000-a-week Blues star has been an amazing servant during a decade at the club, which is why losing him in the summer would be a significant blow. He’s still a vital part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad right now, too.
Mr Versatile at Chelsea
Azpilicueta’s versatility to play at right-back, centre-back or left-back makes him invaluable to the Chelsea squad. It’s the fact he can play each position to a top standard, too.
He’s played a variety of roles during 35 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and making three assists in the process.
His professionalism on and off the pitch is a big reason why he’s the club skipper. It’s a tall order for any of his teammates to replace him.
Xavi is rebuilding a new Barcelona side to try help them return to their glory years and Azpilicueta would be a really shrewd addition to his squad.
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